Thursday, February 1, 2018

How to Transform Anything

TRANSFORMATION

Martin Luther King said, "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." These are certainly "those times" of challenge and controversy: look in any direction and you can find one or the other, typically both. So what does this mean for me and you? The answer is essential to your success and well being.If you are, in some way, involved in healthcare, get ready for a rough ride. I'm not referring to the fact there is no longer an "individual mandate" to purchase insurance you cannot afford. The President and Congress took care of that. I am writing about your obligation and need to be a transformer of society! Not my job you say? I do not know how to create transformation. I'm too busy with my career; reasons all, as excuses these questions and stances are useless. You can and must transform society. Otherwise, our society is doomed. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. also said: "We may have all come on different ships, but we're in the same boat now." Let that sink in for a moment. If our proverbial boat is taking on water ( I assert it is doing so quickly) we must all be transformers. I want to share Five points to help you reach out and become a transformer of society. 1) Accept that society must change, Civil discourse must be a part of our organizations and communities. 2) Suspend your assumptions and be willing to listen to the opinions and assumptions of others. When doing so seek a civil discourse about the issue. 3) Learn to ask yourself this question: "Under what circumstances will this (idea, policy, change, program) work? Ask it of yourself and others. 4) Be a leader (regardless of position) Edward Hallowell's Book Shine: Using Brain Science to Get the Best from Your People addresses this subject and is a good read. "I get up every morning, and I look forward to helping people get into the right frame of mind so they can shine, no matter where they go or what they do. When I do that, I'm happy". Read Dr. Hallowell's book to find out the person who revealed this simple, yet powerful, approach to life. You won't regret it. 5) Be a life-long learner! Every day, learn something new. The Doctoral program in Education at Concordia University-Portland has this to say: " Transformation is continuous movement across static forms of daily life, so as to produce meaningful change in ones' self, community, and society" (EdD Handbook, Concordia University-Portland.At some risk ( not because she will mind, but I know what she would say to me about the accolades), I mention my friend Dr. Carol Ratcliffe RN, FACHE, a Professor, leader, and transformer who is a founding member and nurse co-leader of the Alabama Health Action Coalition (www.AL-HAC.org). Or a hospital orderly ( I will not mention his name) who in a one-on-one conversation said to me, The SVP/COO, " You will be a great CEO someday". The conversation was about him. But his comment changed my life forever. Go for it. Commit and learn to be an influencer and transformative presence. You will not regret it. If I can help or you just have comments about this article, email me: mmceachern@hpsgllc.comAll the Best,Michael